Mindfulness is about learning to focus your awareness on the present moment. It’s a simple but powerful tool to help ease stress, manage anxiety and nurture a sense of peace.
Supporting your wellbeing during and after cancer treatment
For those living with or recovering from cancer, mindfulness can provide valuable support, helping you navigate challenges and enhance your overall wellbeing. It offers a gentle space to reconnect with yourself, ease anxiety and find moments of calm amidst uncertainty, fostering a sense of strength and hope.
Why mindfulness can help
Research shows that mindfulness techniques are effective in supporting mental health and emotional resilience for everyone. For people affected by cancer, mindfulness offers a gentle way to manage difficult emotions, ease feelings of overwhelm and cope with physical symptoms such as pain, fatigue or sleep disturbances. By helping you stay grounded in the ‘now’, mindfulness can encourage a more positive outlook and empower you to take an active role in your own recovery journey.
Introduction to mindfulness with Linda
−Linda from Mindful Life Bournemouth introduces simple mindfulness practices designed to calm the mind and relax the body. Whether you’re new to mindfulness or looking to deepen your practice, Linda’s guided sessions are a supportive space to pause, breathe and reconnect with yourself.
Watch Linda’s short video to find out more about our mindfulness sessions (13 minutes)
Simple mindfulness tips you can try today
Take time to breathe
−Spend 4-5 minutes each morning sitting quietly. Sit comfortably, keeping your spine long, and gently focus on your breath. When your mind starts to wander (as it will), softly bring your attention back to your breathing. This daily habit can help start your day with a sense of calm.
Spend time in nature
+Whether it’s a walk in the park, sitting in your garden or simply noticing the sky outside your window, being in nature offers a moment to rest, reset and feel more connected.
Give yourself permission to pause
+Not every moment needs to be filled with activity. Allow yourself time just to ‘be’ without feeling guilty for not being productive. Stillness can be incredibly healing.
Unplug from technology
+Take small breaks from screens. Try putting your phone away when walking or savour a meal without distractions. These mindful moments can make everyday experiences more enriching.
Start a gratitude practice
+Each evening, write down three things you’re grateful for. They don’t need to be big; even simple things like a kind message from a friend or a beautiful sunset are worth consciously being grateful for. Gratitude helps shift focus towards positivity, even on tougher days.
Try this 5 minute recording to help you feel more calm
We’re here for you
Remember, we have a wide range of online and in person support services if you ever feel like things are getting too much or you need a space to let off some steam. You can contact our cancer support centres, or refer yourself to our free services here.
